How to Unclog a Toilet: Easy Steps That Work Fast

Quick Fix for a Clogged Toilet

Got a clogged toilet? Don’t worry! You can fix it super fast. Most clogs are easy to clear. You don’t need to call a pro right away.

This guide shows you how to unclog a toilet in minutes. We’ll share ways to do it with a plunger. Plus tricks when you don’t have one. You’ll also learn how to stop clogs from coming back.

Let’s get your toilet working again!

What Makes Toilets Get Clogged?

Before we fix the clog, let’s see why it happens. Knowing the cause helps you stop it next time.

Too much toilet paper is the top reason. When you use lots of paper at once, it can’t break down fast. It gets stuck in the pipes.

Things that don’t belong cause big problems. Baby wipes say “flushable” on the box. But they’re not! They don’t break down like toilet paper. Same goes for paper towels, cotton balls, and pads.

Toys and small items go down the drain by mistake. Kids drop toys in the bowl. Small things fall from pockets. These get stuck in the trap and block water flow.

Old toilets with weak flush power can clog more. Older low-flow models don’t push waste hard enough. The water pressure is too weak to clear the pipes.

Tree roots in pipes can grow into your sewer line. They break through cracks. Then waste builds up around them. This causes clogs deep down.

How to Unclog a Toilet With a Plunger

A plunger is your best tool to unclog a toilet. But you need the right kind! And you must use it the right way.

Pick the Right Plunger

Get a toilet plunger, not a sink plunger. Toilet plungers have a flange. That’s the extra piece at the bottom. It fits inside the toilet drain hole. This makes a tight seal..

Sink plungers are flat cups. They work on flat drains. But they won’t seal well in a toilet.

Steps to Plunge Your Toilet

Step 1: Make sure water covers the plunger cup. If the bowl is too empty, add more water from the sink. You need water to make pressure.

Step 2: Put the plunger over the drain hole. Push it down slowly at first. This pushes out trapped air.

Step 3: Now plunge hard! Push down and pull up fast. Do this for about 30 seconds. The up-pull is just as key as the push-down!

Step 4: Keep the seal tight. Don’t lift the plunger off the hole while you work.

Step 5: You’ll hear water start to drain. That means the clog is breaking up!

Step 6: Flush the toilet to test it. If it’s still slow, plunge again.

Most clogs clear in 5 to 10 tries. Be patient and keep at it!

Pro tip: Run hot water over your plunger first. This makes the rubber soft. It seals better on the toilet bowl.

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

No plunger? No problem! These tricks work great using stuff you already have at home.

Hot Water Method

Hot water can melt and push the clog through. Here’s how:

Step 1: Heat a gallon of water. Make it very hot but NOT boiling. Boiling water can crack your toilet bowl!

Step 2: Pour the hot water from waist height. This adds force to break up the clog.

Step 3: Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Let the heat do its job.

Step 4: Flush and see if it drains. If not, try again.

This works best for clogs made of paper and waste.

Dish Soap Trick

Soap helps things slide through pipes. It cuts through grease too.

Step 1: Squirt half a cup of dish soap into the bowl.

Step 2: Add hot water (not boiling).

Step 3: Wait 15 to 20 minutes. The soap needs time to work.

Step 4: Flush the toilet.

The soap makes everything slippery. The clog can slide right through!

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This combo makes fizz that breaks up clogs. It’s safe and works well.

Step 1: Pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl. Spread it around.

Step 2: Add two cups of vinegar slowly. You’ll see it bubble and fizz.

Step 3: Let it sit for 30 minutes. The fizzing breaks down the clog.

Step 4: Add hot water and wait another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Flush to see if it worked.

You can do this twice if the first try doesn’t clear it all.

Plastic Bottle Method

This acts like a plunger! You use water pressure to push the clog.

Step 1: Find a big plastic bottle. A 2-liter soda bottle works great.

Step 2: Fill it with warm water. Cover the top with your thumb.

Step 3: Turn the bottle upside down. Stick it deep in the drain hole.

Step 4: Take your thumb off. Squeeze hard with both hands!

The water shoots into the pipe. This can push the clog through.

Wire Hanger Snake

Got a wire coat hanger? You can make your own snake!

Step 1: Straighten out the hanger. Leave a small hook at one end.

Step 2: Wrap the hook with a cloth. Use tape to hold it. This stops scratches.

Step 3: Push the hanger into the drain. Twist and push gently.

Step 4: When you hit the clog, poke at it to break it up.

Step 5: Pull the hanger out. Flush to test.

Be gentle! You don’t want to scratch the bowl.

Using a Toilet Auger (Plumbing Snake)

When plunging doesn’t work, try a toilet auger. This tool is made just for toilets. It can reach clogs deep in the pipes.

What Is a Toilet Auger?

A toilet auger has a long metal cable. It bends and turns through pipes. The end has a tip that breaks up clogs. The cable sits in a tube that won’t scratch your toilet.

Don’t use a regular drain snake! Those can damage toilet bowls. Always use a toilet auger.

How to Use a Toilet Auger

Step 1: Put the auger end in the toilet bowl. The curved part faces the drain pipe.

Step 2: Leave 4 to 6 inches between the cable and handle.

Step 3: Turn the crank handle clockwise. This pushes the cable down the drain.

Step 4: Keep cranking until you feel the clog. You’ll feel resistance when you hit it.

Step 5: Push and twist to break up the clog. Or hook onto it to pull it out.

Step 6: When it feels loose, slowly crank the cable back up.

Step 7: Flush the toilet to test. If it’s still clogged, try again.

Toilet augers cost about $20 to $30. They’re worth it for tough clogs!

When to Call a Plumber

Some clogs need a pro. Here’s when to call for help:

• You tried everything and the toilet is still clogged
• Water backs up into your tub or sink when you flush
• Multiple toilets are clogged at the same time
• You hear gurgling sounds in other drains
• The clog keeps coming back after you fix it
• Something solid like a toy is stuck deep down

These signs mean the problem is bigger. It could be in your main sewer line. Tree roots might be in the pipes. Or the vent pipe could be blocked.

A plumber has special tools. They use cameras to see inside pipes. They have powerful augers that go really deep. They can fix problems you can’t reach.

Don’t wait too long! Big clogs can cause pipe damage. They can also make sewage back up into your home. Yuck!

How to Stop Toilet Clogs Before They Happen

Want to avoid clogs? Follow these easy tips!

Flush the Right Stuff Only

Your toilet is not a trash can! Only flush three things:

• Human waste
• Toilet paper
• Water

Never flush these items:

• Baby wipes (even “flushable” ones!)
• Paper towels
• Tissues
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Dental floss
• Feminine products
• Cat litter
• Food or grease
• Medicine

Keep a small trash can next to the toilet. Put everything else in there.

Use Less Toilet Paper

Too much paper at once can clog pipes. Use what you need. But if you need a lot, flush twice!

Flush once during. Then flush again when you’re done. This keeps paper from building up.

Keep the Lid Closed

Close the toilet lid when you’re not using it. This stops items from falling in. Little kids and pets can’t drop things in a closed toilet.

It’s also more clean! Flushing with the lid up sprays tiny drops everywhere. Gross!

Clean Your Toilet Often

Clean the bowl every week. This removes buildup that can catch waste. It also helps you spot problems early.

Check inside the toilet tank every few months. Look for rust or gunk. Clean the flapper valve too. A good flapper helps the toilet flush strong.

Check Your Toilet’s Flush Power

Make sure your toilet flushes with enough force. Weak flushes can leave waste stuck in pipes.

Test it: Does the toilet empty the bowl completely? Does water swirl fast? If not, check the water level in the tank. It should fill to the marked line.

The flapper should open all the way when you flush. If the chain is too long, shorten it by a few links.

Use Good Toilet Paper

Some toilet paper breaks down faster than others. Look for paper that says “septic safe” or “quick dissolving.” This is better for your pipes.

Really thick or quilted paper takes longer to break down. It can cause more clogs.

Be Careful With Old Toilets

Older low-flow toilets from the 1990s clog more. They don’t have enough water pressure. If your toilet clogs all the time, think about getting a new one.

New toilets use less water but flush better! They have better designs. They push waste through more easily.

Watch Out for Tree Roots

If you have big trees near your house, roots can grow into pipes. They break through cracks in old sewer lines.

Get your sewer line checked every few years. A plumber can run a camera through it. They can cut out roots before they cause big clogs.

What NOT to Do When Your Toilet Clogs

Some “fixes” make things worse! Avoid these mistakes:

Don’t keep flushing! This fills the bowl more. It can overflow onto your floor. If the first flush doesn’t work, stop!

Don’t use drain cleaner. Liquid drain cleaners like Drano are bad for toilets. They have harsh chemicals that can crack pipes. They often don’t work anyway. The clog is usually too solid.

Don’t use boiling water. Super hot water can crack porcelain. Heat water until it’s hot to touch, but not boiling.

Don’t force the snake too hard. Push gently when you use an auger. Too much force can scratch or crack the toilet.

Don’t mix chemicals. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. This makes toxic gas! It’s very bad for you.

Pros and Cons of Different Unclog Methods

Let’s compare the ways to unclog a toilet:

Plunger Method

Pros:

• Works fast (5 to 10 minutes)
• Clears most clogs
• Easy to use
• Cheap tool (costs $5 to $15)
• No chemicals needed

Cons:

• Can be messy
• Doesn’t work on deep clogs
• Needs water in the bowl
• Requires some strength

Hot Water & Soap

Pros:

• Uses things you already have
• Safe and gentle
• No tools needed
• Works on soft clogs
• Very cheap

Cons:

• Takes 15 to 30 minutes
• Won’t clear hard clogs
• Might need to try more than once
• Only works on paper and waste

Baking Soda & Vinegar

Pros:

• Natural and safe
• No bad fumes
• Good for the planet
• Easy to do
• Clears small to medium clogs

Cons:

• Takes 30 minutes or more
• Won’t work on solid objects
• Might need two tries
• Creates foam that can overflow

Toilet Auger

Pros:

• Reaches deep clogs
• Breaks up tough blockages
• Can pull out solid objects
• Works when plunging fails
• Lasts for years

Cons:

• Costs $20 to $30
• Takes practice to use
• Can scratch bowl if not careful
• A bit messy

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Clogged Toilet?

As you can see, DIY methods save lots of money! A plumber visit can cost $100 or more. But it’s worth it for big problems you can’t fix yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you unclog a toilet fast?

The fastest way is with a plunger. Put it over the drain hole. Push and pull hard for 30 seconds. Most clogs clear in less than 5 minutes. If you don’t have a plunger, try hot water and dish soap. This takes about 15 minutes but works well.

What can I pour down a toilet to unclog it?

Pour a cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the bowl. Wait 30 minutes. Then add hot water. You can also use just dish soap and hot water. Never use drain cleaner! It can hurt your pipes and doesn’t work well anyway.

Will a toilet eventually unclog itself?

Sometimes, yes! Small clogs from paper might break down on their own. This can take hours or even a full day. But waiting is risky. The clog might get worse. It’s better to fix it right away.

Why won’t my toilet unclog with a plunger?

The clog might be too deep or too hard. You might need a toilet auger to reach it. Or maybe you’re not plunging right. Make sure water covers the plunger. Get a tight seal. Push and pull really hard for at least 30 seconds.

Can I use bleach to unclog a toilet?

Bleach can help break down soft clogs. Pour 2 to 3 cups in the bowl. Wait 10 minutes. Add hot water. But bleach is harsh. It can damage pipes over time. Hot water and soap work better and are safer.

How do plumbers unclog toilets?

Plumbers use special toilet augers that reach far into pipes. They have cameras to see where the clog is. For deep clogs, they might use a powered auger. They can also remove the toilet to clear the pipe from below.

What dissolves toilet paper fast?

Hot water helps toilet paper break down faster. Dish soap also speeds it up. The soap breaks the paper fibers apart. Pour hot (not boiling) water with soap into the bowl. Wait 15 minutes. This works for most paper clogs.

How often should I clean my toilet to prevent clogs?

Clean your toilet bowl at least once a week. Check inside the tank every 2 to 3 months. Clean the flapper and flush valve. This removes buildup that can cause weak flushes and clogs.

Are flushable wipes really flushable?

No! Even wipes that say “flushable” don’t break down like toilet paper. They cause tons of clogs. Plumbers say never flush wipes. Always throw them in the trash instead.

Can a clogged toilet fix itself overnight?

Minor clogs might clear if you wait. The water can slowly soften the paper. But this isn’t a good plan. The clog could get bigger. Plus you can’t use the toilet! It’s better to fix it right away with hot water, soap, or a plunger.

Final Thoughts

A clogged toilet is no fun. But now you know how to fix it fast! Most clogs are easy to clear at home. Start with a plunger if you have one. Or try hot water and dish soap.

For tough clogs, use a toilet auger. This tool reaches deep into pipes. It breaks up or pulls out blockages.

The best fix is stopping clogs before they start. Only flush toilet paper and waste. Use less paper. Keep the lid closed. Clean your toilet each week.

If nothing works, call a plumber. Some clogs are too big to fix yourself. Pros have the tools and know-how to handle any problem.

Keep a plunger handy! Every home should have one. It’s the fastest way to clear most clogs. With these tips, you’ll keep your toilet flowing smoothly all year long!